Race With the Devil is a 1975 movie directed by Jack Starrett.
Race With the Devil tells the story of two vacationing couples who are terrorized after witnessing a satanic ritual. Peter Fonda and Warren Oates play the leads – Oates carries the movie as his Frank boasts an extraordinarily natural everyman appeal, while Fonda’s Roger is miscast in any scene that doesn’t involve him racing. Lara Parker’s Kelly does a great job reacting to the terrors inflicted on the group – comprised of virtually every character the foursome encounter in a 400-mile radius. The implausibility of the story affects the movie’s tension, but there are enough highway chases and shootouts to satisfy.
THE BEST – Peter Fonda is Surprisingly Not a Dick
It’s odd to watch Fonda assume the role of an emotionally healthy man. Typically, his characters are juvenile, mean-spirited, man-child types consumed with motorcycles or cars. He actually exhibits a few moments of tenderness throughout the movie.
THE WORST – A Tale of Two Actors
Other than his famous last name, I’m never sure what Fonda brings to a role. He’s never a dynamic presence and often his only character trait is petty subversiveness. Any other actor could have easily played his part in Race With the Devil. However, Oates is easily one of the most natural actors of his generation. He perfects the unassuming nature of his characters, which is a vastly underrated acting skill.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5
Race With the Devil is a creative hybrid of horror and 70s chase genres. It’s worth a watch – especially if you’re a Warren Oates fan.
Excellent review. I always remember Lara Parker thanks to the Dark Shadows tv series. As for Race with the Devil, I think it was one of Kevin Smith’s favourite films and a major influence for the J J Abrams production Joy Ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqv6PIH_ymY
Thanks Simon! Really digging your site. Lara Parker’s probably the best part of the movie. I’m a huge Warren Oates fan but she brings some real emotion to the role. I just love how natural the actors are – even in the face of all the danger. The scene where they break out the mini-bar after nearly dying is priceless. It’s what I imagine upper middle class 70s culture to be – plus the ego of Oates’ character to pursue Aspen is flawless.
Thank you for the kind words about my blog. Lara Parker has always been a great actress. Especially in Dark Shadows where she was amazing. Thank you again for enjoying my blog. I try to post on it as much as possible any article about stuff I read, watch, listen to, and even reflect upon. Have a nice Thursday.
I appreciate the work that goes into blogging. I’d like to try out some podcasting someday. Have you ever done any?
No unfortunately no. I don’t have the recording equipment for that kind of activity.
Nor do I. Someday I’d like to try it.